The Apostles
12 Apostles were seated with Jesus Christ when he told of his pending betrayal

Leonardo da Vinci depicts Jesus in the middle
with the Apostles in 4 groups of 3
with each group showing a different reaction.

On Jesus far right side Bartholomew, James the Lesser and Andrew

Seated on the far right of Jesus they appear surprised and are uninvolved in the scene observant except Andrew who puts his hand on Peter, possibly to gain his attention and support or on seeing him holding his dagger, perhaps to pacify him.

Seated closer to Jesus on his right hand are Judas Iscariot, Peter and John
Judas is leaning aways from Jesus to hear Peter who is Judas is holding a shown gripping his money bag perhaps showing his role as treasurer or that it contains his payment for the betrayal.  Judas has spilt salt on the table which represents preservation and nourishment during hardship but once it is spilled or ruined and contaminated it represents loss of faith and incurs bad luck. This suggests Judas has lost faith and given up preserving Jesus’ ministry.
Peter is hiding the knife he is holding behind Judas back making his angry reaction known to John and Judas. This weapon could be a forewarning Peter’s more violent reaction when Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane cuts where, he strikes out and cuts off the ear of the arresting servant. The quick rebuke by to the severing of the right ear is reference to the servant no longer being able to hear and be open to his teachings.
John is leaning into Peter, possibly swooning from the shock but passively listening facing the viewers similarly to Jesus, with his hands clasped as if to be controlling his anger, or to waiting unwilling to take action.

Seated close to Jesus’ left hand are Thomas, James the Greater and Philip who are bewildered by announcement which to them seems unbelievable.
Thomas directly engages Jesus and points upward to assert God’s power in the situation. The pointing of the finger is forewarning of the fingers that are pointed at him later when he loses his conviction in God’s power to save Jesus and his ministry.
James the Greater is shocked with his arms raised and open in helplessness as if the situation is too big and the pose implies crucifixion ahead.
Philip shows his pain and heart is bleeding and wants more understanding of the situation all three are declaring their innocence.


On Jesus’ far left side are Matthew the Apostle, Jude Thaddeaus, and Simon the Zealot are confused, discussing explanation of this announcement.
Matthew reaches his arms with open palms towards Jesus for answers but neither he or Jude Thaddeus engage Jesus, Instead, they turn their attention to Simon assuming he holds insight.
Simon hands are also open pointing toward Jesus showing he does not hold the answers.